Overview & Reviews

Since its introduction, the Ford Escape has been one of America's best-selling small crossover SUVs. Considering how many other vehicles are available in this segment (many of them well established before the Escape's debut), this may come as a bit of a surprise. But Ford has a keen knack for designing SUVs that appeal to a wide range of buyers.

With the original Escape, Ford successfully combined the styling and four-wheel-drive capability of a traditional SUV with the size, practicality and driving characteristics of a midsize car. For the urban dweller in need of something comfortable, versatile, fun to drive and capable of doing some light-duty off-roading or towing, it fills the bill perfectly. Of course, the Escape's affordability certainly boosted its appeal as well.

Although it received a significant freshening for 2008 that brought notable improvements to the interior, the Escape soldiered on with its original platform until 2013's complete redesign. The latter rebirth vaulted the Escape toward the front of the compact crossover class, as it offers an appealing combination of styling, performance, fuel efficiency, features and comfort. Prior to that overhaul, however, many rival compact SUVs offered more refinement as well as a more rewarding driving experience.

Current Ford Escape
The current Ford Escape stands as one of the top entries in the very competitive compact crossover segment. There are three trim levels: S, SE and Titanium. The S comes with full power accessories, air-conditioning, the Sync voice command system, a rearview camera and a six-speaker sound system. Highlights of the SE include a turbocharged engine, keyless entry keypad, a power driver seat and satellite radio. The Escape Titanium further adds keyless ignition/entry, the MyFord Touch electronics interface, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and an upgraded sound system.

Many of the higher trims' features are available on the lower trims, while other options include a power panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, a navigation system and a Parking Technology package (with automated parallel-parking assist and front and rear parking sensors).

Under the hood is a choice of three engines, all matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Base Escapes come with a 168-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Standard on the SE and Titanium is a turbocharged 1.6-liter, 178-hp four-cylinder. The most powerful engine is an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter, 240-hp four-cylinder engine. The 1.6 flies the fuel-sipper flag while the 2.0 offers performance on par with a V6 along with higher fuel economy.

In reviews, the newest Ford Escape has impressed our staff with its well-rounded road manners. The 2.5 and 1.6 engines provide adequate thrust, while the 2.0 is downright spirited. The latter flattens hills with less effort than the other two and is quieter and smoother to boot. The Escape can confidently tackle a winding road and the ride, though on the firm side, is compliant enough to take the edge off the bumps and ruts of poorly maintained city streets. Downsides to the new Ford Escape include an unexpectedly high price when fitted with options and the MyFord Touch interface, which is finicky to use.

Used Ford Escape Models
Sharing its basic platform with the highly regarded Focus, the latest Ford Escape debuted for the 2013 model year. Compared to earlier Escapes, it boasts roomier seating, higher-quality materials and a second-row seat that's much easier to fold down compared to before. The latest engine selection and features debuted at this time as well. Since then, there have been only minor updates. In that debut year, Ford offered an intermediate SEL trim level and had the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine as standard for the Titanium.

The second-generation Ford Escape was produced from 2008 through 2012. Changes over the first Escape were limited to interior and exterior design. The body adopted Ford's newer styling themes seen in the Edge and Expedition, while the cabin offered a more contemporary look with improved ergonomics and more available luxury features.

The three popular trim levels -- XLS, XLT and Limited -- were once again offered. Standard feature highlights on the XLS included full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning and stability control. The XLT added automatic headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a power driver seat, while the Limited provided leather upholstery and heated front seats. Option highlights, depending on the year, included dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, a navigation system and an automated parallel-parking system.

Any Escape could be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. Engine choices were carried over from the previous generation initially, meaning a choice of the 153-hp four-cylinder or the 200-hp V6, and both ran through a four-speed automatic transmission. For 2009 the powertrains were improved greatly, as the four-cylinder made 171 hp while the V6 pumped out 240 hp. Although a five-speed manual transmission could be had on the XLS, it's a rarity and as such, nearly all Escapes used a six-speed automatic. There was also a hybrid version of the Escape, which is covered in a separate review.

In reviews, we've found this Escape's strengths to be its wealth of high-tech features and peppy performance. Downsides included poor braking performance, an awkward-to-fold rear seat and a somewhat dated feel compared to newer rivals. That said, this generation of the Escape (as well as its Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner twins) remains worthy of shoppers interested in a well-rounded compact crossover.

The Ford Escape was introduced in 2001, and its basic exterior and interior design remained unchanged through '07. It was initially available in XLS, XLT and XLT Sport trims that were joined by the leather-lined Limited a few years later. Ford Escapes were equipped with a rather anemic base engine – a 2.0-liter four that made 130 hp -- until '05 when it was replaced by a 2.3-liter four that made 153 hp. This first-generation Escape also offered an optional V6 that made 200 hp. Although the four-cylinder engines could have a five-speed manual, most had the optional four-speed automatic that was standard on the V6.

Considering how many of these Escapes were sold, shoppers should have plenty of opportunities to be choosy and find a used model that suits them. First-year Escapes were tarnished by numerous recall notices. Though likely resolved at this point, going with a 2002 or newer model might be a good idea. Potential buyers of this first generation of Escape should note that its interior materials were of poor quality, with cheap, hard plastics everywhere.

User Reviews:

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  The best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Ford Escape
  By smashley745 - April 17 - 2:13 pm

  I love this car. If you are looking for a more "roomy" car that gets great gas mileage this is it. I get about 30mpg on average driving mostly on the freeway. The seats are super easy to put down, my sister and I have gone camping and slept in the back of my car rather comfortably. If you have never owned a hybrid car it can be rather eerie because it is so quiet, I cant tell you how many times Ive panicked at stop lights thinking my car had died when I first bought it. Down sides: When your heat is on and the car goes to battery it blows cool air, Not fun in the dead of winter. Does NOT have a outlet to plug in an mp3 player. But overall, I love this car.

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  Brand new impression - 2013 Ford Escape
  By norcalrn - April 17 - 2:26 am

  My car is less than a week old, maybe 240 miles tracked so far. So far no flaws that I can tell, everything performs as Id expect it would.

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  1st New Vehicle in 5 years! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By mkrahn - April 12 - 9:35 pm

  My wife and I looked at many vehicles including the Explorer Sport, all new Forester, Audi Q5 etc... Price range was high 30s to low 40s. The Audi Q5 was our second choice and Forester was third because of the transmission. We eneded up selling our 2008 loaded Ford Focus having 72K for 9000. So far less 1000 miles averaging 22.3mpg. We made the decision for the loaded up Escape because of the style and technology plus needing gas mpg. No issue so far and we both love it!

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  08 Escape 4 cyl Auto Great MPGs for SUV! Very reliable - 2008 Ford Escape
  By dalebass3 - April 3 - 9:16 am

  We bought our escape with 46k on it and have put 40k on it since. It is a great vehicle for a small family. We are about to have a second child so we are thinking about upsizing a little. These old style boxy SUVs have more room than the newer crossovers I think. Only problem we had was when there was a carbon build up on the throttle body that was making it hard to press the gas. That was easily fixed with some carb cleaner.

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  Elect steering - 2013 Ford Escape
  By dlth - April 1 - 9:44 am

  We love everything about the Escape except the steering. When traveling on the hwy it is impossible to make small adjustments without having everyone feel the movement. The dealer says it is due to the new electric steering. We use the vehicle for around town driving and take my truck for long trips. As much as I like the car I will not buy another.

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  Terrible Mileage and Range - 2013 Ford Escape
  By wi_escape54843 - March 24 - 12:02 pm

  Bought this as commuter car knowing Id give up some mileage to AWD, but hills of Duluth and tough winter made it good choice. With 1200 mi in just 2 wks, mpg < 21 on 160 mi daily commute w/ 90% hwy. Ford claim of 24 avg w 28 hwy is unacceptably inaccurate. By comparison - the 07 Sebring I traded avg 29 - 31 (seasonal), even my 03 dura max avg 20.6 for same journey as it is the ride I used for tough winter days. Escape worsens this with a small tank compared to Sebring with barely 300 mi, compared to 420 I had. So far - Im incredibly disappointed.

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  Sync Reliability - 2013 Ford Escape
  By sm2013 - March 15 - 3:55 pm

  The SYNC systems in my vehicle has placed my car in the shop 3 times in four months totalling 1 month in the shop with 3 seperate rental cars. The SYNC system in my car resets itself multiple times within an hour whether I am in the middle of a call, etc. The ipod/phone have difficutly connecting frequently and the system freezes.

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  Happy to buy American... - 2013 Ford Escape
  By sfneal - March 9 - 6:39 pm

  Overall am very happy with my purchase. Quiet, high quality cabin. Sync voice commands work most of the time and are very convenient. Engine is very responsive and ride is smooth.

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  Solid, Fun-to-drive Small SUV - 2013 Ford Escape
  By craign1 - March 2 - 7:44 am

  After 2 months and 2,000 miles, I am happy with this vehicle (SE 2.0 -- wasnt an option above). I purchased for compact, AWD, and 3,500 lb. towing capacity. Handles great in snow and muck. Gas mileage is as expected -- about 20 around town, upwards of 28 on highway, so around 23/24 on average. No issues thus far. Sync works fine with phone, bluetooth streaming from iPad, USB stick. I think this is as heavy and solid a small SUV as exists on the market today. A bit pricey but with the 2.0 turbo its not entirely comparable to other small SUVs. Engine is a bit buzzy at slow speeds (high pressure injectors, Im told) but easily gotten used to.

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  economy, Sync lacking - 2013 Ford Escape
  By shortybus - February 17 - 3:07 pm

  2013 Escape SE 2.0 EcoBoost I feel like I am a victim of false advertising. Fuel economy is definitely not up to the billing. Im lucky to keep it over 21 average. I got rid of my 05 4-Runner to try to get better mileage, but its barely cutting it. Also, as described in numerous places here, Sync is buggy. I have recurring problems with my ipod and the Sync index. Its unpredictable and dsometimes unreliable. And when somethings not right she wont shut up. Bottom line, nice vehicle for the money as long as you are aware of the problems. Dont expect much for fuel economy, at least with the 2.0, unless you drive like a granny in a warm, dry climate on flat roads.